Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Is Sinking the Ship

 

Adeladius Makwega-MBAGALA

“The administration of President Ali Hassan Mwinyi from 1985 to 1995 in Tanzania faced major political and constitutional turbulence, especially in the early 1990s leading up to the 1995 elections. During this period, the issue of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) emerged. This matter involved Zanzibar secretly joining the OIC without the consent of the Union Government. The crisis caused serious tension within the United Republic of Tanzania.”

One may ask: Did the then President of Zanzibar, Salmin Amour, fail to inform Ali Hassan Mwinyi about the OIC? Was Mwinyi unaware?

To say that Salmin Amour did not inform Ali Hassan Mwinyi about the OIC would be untrue. There are clear signs of political maneuvering here.

 

In December 1992, it was revealed that Zanzibar had joined the OIC. This step was encouraged by some Zanzibaris who were dissatisfied with their position within the Union and wanted to join the organization. The move violated the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, since all foreign affairs fall under Union matters, not one side of the Union alone. Mwinyi’s government found itself in a difficult and embarrassing situation.

“This situation triggered strong opposition from Tanganyika, including pressure from the group of 55 Members of Parliament (G55), who used the incident to propose a three-government structure: Tanganyika, Zanzibar, and the Union.

Julius Nyerere was still alive at the time and strongly criticized Mwinyi’s government for allowing this constitutional violation, insisting that a secular state should not be a member of the OIC. Fortunately, in August 1993 Zanzibar withdrew from the OIC, and the consequences even included the removal of the Prime Minister of the United Republic, John Samuel Malecela.”

That, my reader, is Tanzania’s history during that time.

 

So what does Mwanakwetu say today?

Indeed, the situation of the 1990s resembles the current situation in Tanzania. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is a Zanzibari, and the Union President is also a Zanzibari. Zanzibaris have their own Parliament and their own President—so who defends the interests of Tanganyika in such a context? Could events similar to those of the 1990 OIC controversy happen again? Here, Zanzibaris appear to hold both the Union and Zanzibar reins of power.

“In the 1990s, at least Nyerere was alive. He had influence within CCM, he was respected, and he was feared. Moreover, Nyerere had no business interests tied to any company. Who today can wear Nyerere’s coat in present-day Tanzania? The answer is no one. Most of those in positions of power lack the qualities of Mwalimu Nyerere. Tanganyikans are left vulnerable.”

In such a climate, one could argue that what happened on October 29, 2025, and the days that followed, is even more serious than the 1990 OIC crisis. The situation is fragile.

What does this ‘current Ahmed Hassan Diria’ say when speaking to local and international media?

“It is unacceptable for a Minister of Foreign Affairs to defend internet shutdowns. It is unacceptable for a Minister of Foreign Affairs to show no sorrow for people who were shot dead, others left disabled, and others still nursing wounds to this day.”

When this ‘Ahmed Hassan Diria’ sits with Ali Hassan Mwinyi—or even with their associate Salmin Amour—what do they discuss regarding these Tanganyikans?

“If misconduct occurred while Julius Nyerere was alive, what about today? Now that Nyerere lies at Mwitongo, Butiama?”

Mwanakwetu states plainly that the current Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania, the son of Thabiti Kombo—likened here to Ahmed Hassan Diria—has achieved nothing in this position. Amid humiliation, abductions, killings, and the events of October 29, 2025 and afterward, he is leading the nation further into darkness.

Mwanakwetu believes that this should be the son of Thabiti Kombo’s final post—just as it was for Ahmed Hassan Diria during the 1990s OIC controversy—because the present crisis is like the OIC issue multiplied.

“Currently, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has completely failed to demonstrate the competence of his late father, Thabiti Kombo. Indeed, Sheikh Thabiti Kombo suffered a loss; truly, a palm tree cannot give birth to another palm tree. Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs is sinking the ship.”

Are you there, Mwanakwetu?

What should this article be called? Has Sheikh Thabiti Kombo Suffered a Loss? Or Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Is Sinking the Ship? Mwanakwetu likes both titles, but remember, my reader:

“Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Is Sinking the Ship.”

I wish you a good day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
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